Athi River gears up for expansion drive

Published:
06 July 2010

Athi River Mining has set aside Sh12.5 billion for its expansion programme. The firm plans to put up a cement production unit in Tanzania, and increasing capacity of its plants in Athi River and Kaloleni.

Bipin Bhatia, the senior general manager, said the new developments would help the cement manufacturer reap from a continued boom in the building and construction in the region, as well as prepare for an expected increase in competition.

Competition in the cement sector is expected to increase with the entrant of two new players. Local Stell maker Devki Steel recently announced plan to set up a plant in Athi River, while Indian firm Cemtech Ltd will set base in Pokot.

Bhatia said the upping capacity of Kenyan facilities would more than double the firm’s cement production capacity enabling it compete effectively. He also believes that the Tanzanian unit help position the firm in the region.